New York State has distributed $194 million in food assistance to 1.6 million low-income school-aged children this summer through the 2025 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) program. The initiative provides $120 per eligible child to help families buy healthy food during the months when school meals are unavailable.
Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the importance of the program amid federal reductions in nutrition assistance, stating, “While Federal Republicans are slashing vital nutrition assistance programs like SNAP, Summer EBT helps millions of children in New York State maintain a healthy diet at a time when they don’t have access to free school meals. Raising children has never been more expensive, which is why we’re continuing to put money back in the pockets of New York’s working families, and make investments in our children’s future.”
The distribution of benefits will continue throughout the summer. Most eligible families receive benefits automatically, but some may need to apply before the September 4 deadline.
Barbara C. Guinn, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, said, “Summer EBT benefits are vitally important to families who rely on free breakfast and lunch while school is in session. Keeping children well fed during the summer months will help them stay healthy and return to school in the fall ready to learn. Governor Hochul recognizes that when children are healthy, fed, and ready to learn, they can thrive, and the Summer EBT program plays an important role in making that happen.”
Rachel Sabella, Director for No Kid Hungry New York, added: “No parent should have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. The Summer EBT program helps make that possible by providing families with extra grocery money when school is out, so children can continue to thrive and enjoy their break. It’s a smart, effective policy that meets a real need and supports working families across our state. We’re proud to work with leaders like Governor Hochul who are taking meaningful action to fight childhood hunger and invest in kids’ futures.”
State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said: “Access to healthy, nutritious food is essential for every child’s growth and success. The Summer EBT program ensures that low-income families can continue to provide balanced meals when school is out, easing financial strain and helping children thrive. I encourage all eligible families to take advantage of this resource before the September 4 deadline.”
Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi commented: “Summer EBT has been an essential tool to fight child hunger, and New York State’s investment has made a difference for over 1.6 million children this season already. This program will result in our kids starting the school year healthy and ready to learn. Huge thank you to Governor Hochul, Speaker Heastie, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and all of my colleagues who have made this a priority, and for their continued commitment to fighting child hunger in New York.”
Assemblymember Maritza Dávila stated: “As Chair of the Assembly Social Services Committee, I am proud to see so many New York families taking advantage of the Summer EBT program. Already, more than 1.6 million children have received food assistance during the months when school meals are not available. I am proud to join Governor Hochul in fighting childhood hunger across New York State. This program is a vital tool to help families stretch their grocery budgets. I encourage every eligible family to make sure they receive this benefit before the September 4 deadline.”
Children receive these benefits on cards similar to those used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), allowing purchases at authorized stores including farmers markets.
Studies indicate that providing summer food benefits lowers rates of childhood hunger; research conducted by USDA during pandemic-related pilot projects found that such programs reduced very low food security among participating children by about one-third.
The state expects total disbursement under this year’s Summer EBT initiative will exceed $250 million by completion later this summer—reaching approximately 2.2 million students statewide.
Benefits remain available on recipients’ cards for up to 122 days after issuance; unused funds expire after that period.
More information about eligibility or how families can apply before September 4 is available at https://ny.gov/SummerEBT.
